I have a Pfaff Creative 7550 that I purchased in the late 90's. I seem to have alot of problem with it pulling fabric down into the feed dogs as I start while piecing or joining blocks. This is not a new problem as my machine has always tended to do this and when I only worked on 1 or 2 projects a year I just dealt with it but now that I am trying to complete more projects it has become very bothersome. Now here are my questions;
1. Have others with this machine or similiar experienced this? (or does my machine need to go the the Pfaff doctor?)
2. I know there is a single hole plate available, has anyone purchased it and did it solve the problem? (I don't mind spending the money to solve the problem but if nothing changes I would rather buy fabric.)
3. While piecing do Pfaff owners have the IDT engaged or disengaged?
Sorry that this is so long, but I really like my machine and if I could get a solution for this little issue I like we can be happy together for years to come.

My machine does the same thing. What I do is put all the small fabric scraps cut from corners or those that are too small to use for other things in a plastic container by my machine and use them for starter pieces

The pulling down is due to the large hole that accomodates 9mm stitches and the widely spaced feed dogs. If the needle isn't very sharp, that makes it worse. The problem will absolutely be solved with a SS plate. I have a Pfaff 7510 & a Babylock Quest Plus with a mechanism just like IDT, and a Pfaff Select 3.0. I use the IDT for everything I can, almost always while piecing. It doesn't let you fudge, however, so if you are trying to ease in fullness of a slightly too-big piece, disengage it.

The single hole plate does help. I just hold the 2 threads to the back of the needle when starting to sew. I've always done that starting with the old treadles I learned to sew on. I have the CV now and it isn't as bad about eating fabric.

I have 2 older Pfaffs. I either hold both threads firmly extended behind the feed dogs (which helps the piece start and not get caught) or use a starter piece. I too always use the IDT. Also strip piecing helps (sew one piece and when you get to the end of the first piece feed the next piece in before the first piece is out from under the feed dogs).

I have 7570 Pfaff. I love my machine. I agree with others, use a starter piece.
My mother always used a starter piece, so to me it just comes natural.
IDT engaged when sewing keeps fabric moving easily.
Also, lift out throat plate to get any dust bunnies or thread pieces. Don't forget to clean dust build up from bobbin area.
It it has a long time since a good cleaning your Pfaff my need to see the Pfaff doctor.

I have the same model and have not had this problem very often unless I am trying to sew triangles. Then I have to use a leader piece or it will suck it down into the hole. I just read that one should have a small-holed face plate, but I have done OK without it. I think it would be a pain to have to change it every time I wanted to do another kind of stitch. If you have had it since 1990, maybe it needs to go to the Pfaff doc. I use the IDT whenever the foot I am using will accommodate it.